DAKAR, Senegal — In Guinea’s capital, an investigative journalist was reportedly seized by men dressed as security forces, according to his wife and attorney, amid a growing crackdown on independent media by the military government.
Habib Marouane Kamara, who serves as editor-in-chief for the online news outlet lerevelateur224.com, was reportedly on his way to a meeting with a business associate and a friend in Conakry on Tuesday evening. His wife, Mariama Lamarana Diallo, shared this information with the media on Wednesday.
Diallo relayed that, based on her husband’s friend’s account, they were halted by men in security uniforms who arrived in a pickup truck.
Witnessing the encounter, the friend noted that the officers smashed the rear windshield of the vehicle and forcibly removed Kamara. This narrative was further substantiated by another witness who chose to remain anonymous due to fears for their safety.
The men reportedly beat Kamara with batons until he lost consciousness. Following this, they lifted him into their truck and drove off. Although Kamara’s friend was also compelled into the police vehicle, they were released shortly after and have since sought refuge.
Since his abduction, both Kamara’s wife and lawyer, Salifou Beavogui, stated that they have not received any communication from him. “I am speechless,” Diallo expressed, her emotions evident as she broke down in tears.
Guinea has been under the control of a military regime following a coup that removed President Alpha Conde in 2021. The regional bloc ECOWAS has been advocating for the restoration of civilian governance, with elections anticipated in 2025.
Earlier this year, the ruling military dissolved numerous political parties and placed scrutiny on two major opposition groups. However, the transitional government has yet to provide an official election date.
This situation reflects a broader trend in West Africa, where nations like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have experienced military takeovers that have stalled the return to civilian governance. Additionally, earlier this year, the military regime in Burkina Faso extended its transition period by five years.
Col. Mamadi Doumbouya, who leads Guinea, justified his seizure of power three years ago by claiming he was preventing the nation from descending into turmoil and accused the prior administration of failing to fulfill its promises. Nevertheless, some critics argue that Doumbouya’s governance is no better than that of his predecessor.
In February, Doumbouya disbanded the existing government without providing a reason, indicating that a new government would be appointed soon.
The military leader has dismissed external pressures from Western nations regarding Africa’s political dilemmas, stating that Africans are “exhausted by the categorizations with which everyone wants to box us in.”
Since taking control, the military junta has intensified its restrictions on independent media, as reported by various rights organizations. Social media and private radio channels have been restricted, and information platforms have faced interruptions or prolonged suspensions without clarification. Journalists have also faced violence and detentions.
“Despite media diversity, journalists and media outlets encounter increasing obstacles and assaults, which have regrettably become all too routine,” stated Reporters Without Frontiers in a recent announcement.